I've been dreading the day when a game developer would make frame generation a requirement for acceptable performance, and it seems like Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight might be that game. The system requirements released by TT Games suggest a potential nightmare scenario for PC gamers.
At first glance, the requirements seem reasonable for a game based on Unreal Engine 5, but a closer inspection reveals a troubling detail. The minimum spec, as outlined, may only achieve 15-20 frames per second (fps) without frame generation, which is an unacceptably low frame rate for a smooth gaming experience.
Frame generation, a technology that uses machine learning to generate additional frames, is not a magic bullet. It introduces latency and can lead to visual artifacts, especially at lower frame rates. The recommended use case is for boosting performance when you're already achieving a decent frame rate, typically 30 fps or higher.
What's particularly concerning is that TT Games is recommending frame generation even for older hardware, like the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960. This GPU is now ancient, and the recommended frame generation technology, FSR or XeSS, is not optimized for such old hardware, making performance even worse.
This is in stark contrast to other well-optimized PC games released this year, like Crimson Desert, Resident Evil: Requiem, and Pragmata, which have all run smoothly. It's a shame that Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, a game that looks visually appealing and is designed for kids, might be out of reach for many due to these inflated system requirements.
If these requirements are accurate, it's a bad port in a sea of good ones. It's a step backward in PC gaming optimization, and I hope it doesn't set a precedent for future game releases. With next-gen consoles supporting frame generation, we might see more developers trying to rely on this technology to boost performance, but it's a risky move that could lead to a poor gaming experience.
Personally, I think it's important for developers to prioritize optimization and not rely solely on frame generation to boost performance. It's a delicate balance, and I hope TT Games reconsiders their approach to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
